A seismic shift is brewing in the world of sports broadcasting as the NFL eyes renegotiating its lucrative broadcast contracts sooner than anticipated. While current contracts are slated to last until 2033, it has the option to cut them short in 2029. With the NBA securing groundbreaking media deals, it may be tempted to follow suit by opting for early termination and renegotiating the terms.
NFL Eyes Streaming for Growth
In the high-stakes realm of programming, it is keenly aware that the more interested broadcasters there are, the higher the price tag. Their recent talks with Netflix to broadcast the 2024 Christmas games underscore their appetite for expanding partnerships, signaling a potential shift in strategy. The success of Peacock’s January playoff game further exemplifies the growing importance of streaming platforms for sports.
NFL Diversifies Schedule for Bidders
The creative scheduling, like this year’s Christmas package, showcases their willingness to diversify offerings to lure in more bidders. Auctioning off marquee games such as Opening Night, Week 1 Friday Night, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to the highest bidders could yield astronomical prices.
With the #NFL set to negociate new tv contracts. Who should still broadcast the NFL? Read it today.https://t.co/ZdHlW6i1mN #CBS #FOX #NBC #ABC #Football #Sports pic.twitter.com/JtHbAdmKkv
— BGMSportsTrax (@BGMSportsTrax) October 30, 2019
Streaming Giants Vie for NFL
Amazon’s Black Friday game exemplifies the fierce competition among streaming services for exclusive broadcasts. Yet, Netflix’s involvement in Christmas games may cause friction as streaming giants vie for supremacy. Traditional networks like NBC, CBS, Fox, and ESPN/ABC, along with Amazon, Netflix, and Google/YouTube, all stand ready to pounce as it recalibrates its broadcast strategies.
NFL’s Broadcasting Dominance Spurs Competition
In today’s fragmented media landscape, it is a rare commodity that can still draw large live audiences, driving up advertising revenue. With all major players circling, it will leverage its dominant position to usher in a new era of broadcasting deals. Expect fierce competition as broadcasters prepare for the its probable decision to renegotiate contracts by 2029.
